Juan Manuel Marquez Names The Pound-For-Pound Number One: “He Puts It All On The Line”

Juan Manuel Marquez, in his prime, had an argument as the best boxer on the planet.

A three-weight world champion, the 2012 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year is well-remember for his four-fight saga with Manny Pacquiao and a win over countryman Marco Antonio Barrera, who later branded Marquez ‘the best of our era.’

Fast forward to today’s generation and, over the last eighteen months, three men have separated themselves from the pack in that regard – Terence Crawford, Oleksandr Usyk and Naoya Inoue are the only men to become two-division undisputed in the four-belt era.

Crawford secured his with a statement win over Errol Spence Jr at welterweight, Usyk hurt and decisioned giant Tyson Fury at heavyweight and Inoue knocked out Marlon Tapales to do it at super-bantamweight.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, the Mexican fighting legend put the three top dogs in order.

“For me, the Japanese fighter Inoue is pound-for-pound number one. Terence Crawford is number two. Oleksandr Usyk is number three. For me, in my opinion.”

Marquez then expanded, ultimately reserving the number one spot for Inoue due to activity and class of opponent.

“Usyk won the fight with Tyson Fury, it was a great victory. I think, for me, Inoue is a great fighter. He puts everything in the ring. He wants to make pressure. He throws a lot of punches. He’s a great fighter and for me number one pound-for-pound. Terence Crawford is another great fighter. I say number one is Inoue because he fights against great opponents. Two or three fights a year – great activity.”

Inoue is next out in September to defend his four super-bantamweight belts against TJ Doheny, Usyk will rematch Fury in December and Crawford is currently weighing up his next move but holding out for a fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.